Can you take baby formula on a plane?

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food (to include puree pouches) in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag.



Yes, you can absolutely take baby formula on a plane, and it is exempt from the standard "3-1-1" liquids rule. In 2026, TSA and international security agencies (like CATSA in Canada and the UK's CAA) classify baby formula, breast milk, and baby food as "medically necessary liquids." This means you can carry them in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) in your carry-on luggage. You do not even need to be traveling with the child to carry breast milk or formula. At the security checkpoint, you must remove these items from your bag and declare them to the officer for separate screening. They may use a bottle sensor or a swab to test the liquid for explosives, but they will never put anything into the formula itself. It is a "pro-tip" to use clear, translucent bottles to speed up the process. Powdered formula is also allowed, but if you have more than 350ml (about 12 oz), it may require additional X-ray screening to ensure it is not a prohibited substance.

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A work around: Bring powdered formula. Go through TSA with baby formula in powder form, then buy bottled water to mix the solution before getting onboard. Be sure to bring more formula than you will need, to accommodate for any travel delays.

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Checked Bags: Yes Water for babies is allowed in reasonable quantities in carry-on bags. Remove this item from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Please see traveling with children for more information. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

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Diaper bags, soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices don't count toward your personal item or carry-on.

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Put some freshly boiled water in a high-quality vacuum flask, which will keep it warm for about four hours. You can then easily make a feed by adding the water and formula powder to a sterilised bottle. Do check the temperature before feeding it to your baby, by putting a few drops on the inside of your wrist.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Sanitizing Wipes: Wet wipes, in any quantity, can be carried on. This includes baby wipes! Disinfectant sprays: You are allowed to have sprays in your carry-on bag as long as they do not exceed 3.4 oz. Pack larger sizes in your checked luggage.

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Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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The TSA's liquid limit for carry-ons—known as the 3-1-1 rule—allows travelers to pack liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes under 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in their carry-on bags. Passengers are allowed up to one quart-sized bag per person, or roughly nine 3.4-ounce containers in a single quart-sized bag.

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If you want to warm the contents of the bottle, just ask your flight attendant to warm it up in a cup of hot water.

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